31.01.2014 | Elation Platinum Beams on Broadway with A Night with Janis Joplin

Elation Platinum Beams on Broadway with A Night with Janis Joplin 

Lighting Designer Justin Townsend turns to bright, affordable Elation beam fixtures on energetic Broadway musical

Lighting Designer Justin Townsend (Here Lies Love and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) specified Elation Platinum Beam 5R moving heads for the Broadway musical A Night with Janis Joplin playing at the Lyceum Theatre in New York and was delighted with the fixtures. 

A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating the legacy and unmistakable voice of ‘60s rock legend Janis Joplin. “It’s rock ‘n’ roll so I wanted a lighting fixture that could be featured visibly, as well as one that projects a nice beam,” Justin says, who acts as both set and lighting designer on the show. 

“It’s my first time using Elation and I’m really happy with them. They are bright, have great articulation and the price point is nice; just perfect when you have to watch the budget. They project a great, sharp beam and are really dynamic. They made for a nice addition to the rig.”

An electric line of lighting outlines the proscenium and is echoed by an arch of Platinum Beams that surround Mary Bridget Davies, who plays Janis Joplin. Twelve Platinum Beam fixtures cast dense, narrow beams from around the performer, four from above and four from each side of the stage. Used throughout the show but especially prominent in certain numbers like “Spirit in the Dark,” a tribute to Aretha Franklin, Justin often expands the look by spreading multiple beams using the fixture’s 8-facet prism. Gobo projection is used sparingly for occasional mid-air effects and audience sweeps.

The Elation fixtures were supplied for the show by lighting rental company Christie Lites with Justin sending special kudos out to Christie account rep Chris McMeen, who provided him with fixture advice and support. 

A Night with Janis Joplin opened at the Lyceum Theatre last October and ends its run on February 16th with expectations of a reopening in March at a new venue in New York City.

Pictured:  Mary Bridget Davies (Janis Joplin) & cast

Photo credit:  Joan Marcus